Satisfy Your Cravings with Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu
Are you looking for a delicious and wholesome vegan recipe that will satisfy your cravings for bold flavors? Look no further than my Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu recipe! This gluten-free, vegan dish combines the vibrancy of fresh green beans with the heartiness of tofu and an array of aromatic spices. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this stir-fry recipe is sure to impress.
What makes this dish truly special is the spice blend that gives it its signature sizzle. Szechuan pepper, garlic, ginger, and raw sugar come together to create a complex mix of sweetness and heat that will tantalize your taste buds. The addition of sake and tamari soy sauce bring a unique depth of flavor to the dish that makes it truly irresistible.
Not only is this Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu dish incredibly flavorful, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Green beans are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins like C and K, while tofu provides protein to keep you feeling satisfied. This meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as part of your meal prep rotation.
So get ready to take your taste buds on a journey with this Szechuan-inspired vegan recipe. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a vegan chef, I know that finding delicious and satisfying recipes that also accommodate dietary restrictions can be a challenge. But fear not, because my gluten-free and vegan Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu recipe is here to help!
Firstly, this dish packs a flavorful punch with the use of garlic, ginger, and Szechuan sauce. Not to mention, the salty umami flavor of tamari soy sauce perfectly complements the fresh crunch of green beans.
But my favorite part of this recipe is the tofu. It’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it the perfect addition to a savory stir fry. And for those who are avoiding soy products, fear not! You can easily make this recipe without tofu or replace it with another plant-based protein like crispy chickpeas or seitan.
Not only is this dish loaded with flavor and customizable for individual dietary needs, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep or feeding larger groups.
Overall, whether you’re looking for a tasty dinner option or an impressive party dish, my Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu recipe is sure to please everyone.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need for this Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu dish:
For the Szechuan sauce:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1/4 cup tamari soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon raw sugar
- 2 teaspoons sake or rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Szechuan pepper flakes (or less if you prefer less spicy)
- 1/4 cup water
For the stir-fry:
- 12 ounces firm tofu, cut into small cubes
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any other mild flavored oil you prefer)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Note: You can add other vegetables such as snap peas or even ground pork if you like. This recipe is very customizable.
All ingredients for this gluten-free vegan recipe are easily accessible and can be found in most grocery stores. Keep in mind that using an air fryer could be an alternative to stir frying the green beans, which would reduce the amount of oil needed.
The Recipe How-To
After gathering all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the steps on how to make this delectable Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu stir-fry recipe.
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Wash and trim 12 ounces of green beans. Drain and set aside. Cut one block of firm tofu into small bite-size cubes. Mince one garlic clove and about an inch of ginger. Gather 1 tablespoon of tamari soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sake or water, 1 teaspoon of raw sugar, salt, and black pepper according to your taste.
Step 2: Preparing the Szechuan Sauce
Combine in a bowl a mixture of ¼ cup tamari soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sake or water, one tablespoon tomato paste, two teaspoons of raw sugar or other sweeteners, and chili flakes for those who want it spicier. Set aside.
Step 3: Cooking the Dish
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat with one tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for about 10 seconds until fragrant. Add cubed tofu and cook for around 3 minutes until golden brown.
Add trimmed green beans to the pan and stir fry for another minute before adding half a cup of water gradually to soften the green beans. Cook for about three minutes until the tofu becomes crispy on the outside while still soft on the inside.
Add in the prepared Szechuan sauce to the middle of the pan, avoiding pouring it onto tofu and green beans. Stir gently for approximately two minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all vegetables evenly.
Air Fryer Green Beans Tofu
For an extra crispy texture on your tofu cubes, you can opt to cook them in an air fryer at 350°F (180°C) degrees for ten minutes before adding them into your stir-fry dish.
Step 4: Serving and Pairing
These Szechuan green beans with tofu are best served hot out of the wok topped with some sesame seeds as a garnish! This vegan gluten-free recipe can be paired with steamed rice or even pad thai topped with almond butter for a more delicious meal.
Step 5: Make-Ahead, Storing, and Reheating
This dish is perfect for meal prep since it can be refrigerated for up to four days immediately after cooking. Heat up leftovers in a microwave oven or on stovetop over low heat until piping hot before serving again.
Step 6: Tips for Perfect Results
When cooking this dish, it’s important to avoid overcrowding your pan as it may lead to uneven cooking results or steaming instead of stir-frying. Therefore use a large enough wok or frying pan.
Step 7: FAQ
Are there other variations that I can make using this dish?
Yes! You can try omitting
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, it’s important to make sure you’re using ingredients that work best for you or that you have on-hand. Fortunately, this recipe for Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu is quite versatile and allows for a variety of substitutions and variations.
Firstly, if you’re gluten intolerant or following a gluten-free diet, no problem! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. You can also adjust the soy sauce by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce to ensure it conforms to your dietary preferences.
If you’re not particularly fond of tofu but still want to enjoy this dish, feel free to substitute the tofu with some other protein source such as crispy faux-chicken or ground pork. If you’re vegan and don’t want to use tofu either, quinoa or black beans can be a great replacement.
For those who want an extra kick of flavor or heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or some Szechuan peppercorns. Additionally, adding some almond butter in place of the tomato paste can give the dish a unique flavor.
If green beans aren’t your thing but you still want to try out the recipe, snap peas are a great substitution. You can also use different types of vegetables like bok choy, broccoli or even zucchini.
Feeling creative? Switch things up and make this recipe Chinese style Pad Thai-inspired by replacing the Szechuan sauce with miso paste mixed with raw sugar, sake, and water for an authentic Japanese flavor.
Ultimately, just use what you have available in your pantry and adjust the recipe to your liking. Experimentation adds zing to every dish!
Serving and Pairing
After all the effort put into preparing the Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu, it is important to think about how to serve and pair this delectable meal. The first rule of serving is to ensure that it is hot and fresh. Serve the stir-fry immediately from the wok, topped with some crispy tofu for texture contrast.
For pairing, I would suggest going with refreshing beverages like iced tea or light beer that can counteract the heat of Szechuan pepper. If you prefer more decadent drinks, try pairing it with a glass of Riesling wine or hard apple cider.
For side dishes, serve this dish over cooked rice or quinoa to make it a complete protein. You could also add some steamed bok choy, broccoli or snap peas for added healthy greens. Alternatively, make a batch of vegan Pad Thai to turn this meal into an Asian fusion spread.
If you are looking for more variety in your meal plan or hosting an event, consider making some Almond Butter Noodle Salad as a refreshing accompaniment that complements Szechuan flavors perfectly.
Remember to plate this beautiful green-black stir-fry in sleek cylindrical bowls or on a large platter with contrasting colors to bring out its beauty and deliciousness. With these pairing and serving ideas, everyone will praise your creativity and compliment you on your culinary prowess.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you have prepared and enjoyed this scrumptious dish, you may wonder how to store and reheat it. Fortunately, the Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu are very forgiving in terms of make-ahead and reheating options, making them perfect for meal prepping masters or those with busy schedules.
If you plan on storing leftovers for another meal or future meal prep, simply allow the green beans and tofu mixture to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. This can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freeze portions for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, there are several different methods that will work well. You can quickly reheat the dish on the stovetop by using a non-stick pan or wok. Simply add a splash of oil or water and heat the mixture until it is piping hot.
Alternatively, if you want a hands-off option, you may use an air fryer to heat up your leftover Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu. Simply place it in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350°F. Cook for around 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Whether you choose to make-ahead or reheat your delicious Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu, rest assured that the flavors will remain intact and the texture will stay equally satisfying- whether eaten right away or later on!
Tips for Perfect Results
Are you ready to step up your stir-fry game? Follow these tried-and-tested tips for perfect results in this Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu recipe.
1. Don’t overcrowd the pan: When stir-frying tofu and green beans, give them enough space to cook evenly. Overcrowding the pan will cause the vegetables to steam rather than sauté, leading to a soggy result.
2. Press your tofu: To achieve a crispy texture on your tofu, it is essential to remove excess moisture beforehand. Use a tofu press, or wrap the block in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for at least 20 minutes.
3. Don’t skimp on the sauce: The Szechuan sauce is what brings depth and flavor to this dish. Be sure to coat the tofu and green beans generously with it while they are hot, so that they absorb all the flavors.
4. Spice it up: Adjust the heat level of this dish according to your preference by adding more or less of the szechuan peppercorns in the sauce.
5. Add some crunch: As an optional but highly recommended addition, sprinkle some roasted peanuts or sesame seeds on top of your finished dish for a satisfying crunch.
With these tips in mind, you’re all set to make a delectable szechuan stir fry at home that’s sure to impress even those who aren’t fans of vegan or gluten-free dishes.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu recipe is a must-try for anyone on a vegan or gluten-free diet, or for those seeking new and exciting flavors in their meals. The combination of spicy Szechuan sauce, crisp-tender green beans, and protein-packed tofu creates a perfect balance of texture and taste that will leave you wanting more.
With the potential for substitutions and variations, this recipe is versatile and can easily adapt to your preferences or dietary needs. It also offers the opportunity to explore new cooking techniques such as stir-frying or air frying.
Whether you’re looking for a plant-based protein dish, a new way to incorporate green beans into your diet or simply looking to spice up your mealtime, this Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu recipe delivers with every bite.
So why not give it a try? Your tastebuds will thank you.
Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu (Gluten-Free, Vegan) Recipe
Ingredients
- 7 1/2 ounces tofu (I used organic sprouted tofu)
- 12 ounces green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons tamari soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sake or 1 tablespoon water
- 1 -2 teaspoon hot chili paste
- 2 teaspoons raw sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- A few hours before cooking, place a tofu block in a bowl and put a weight on top of it to squeeze out water as much as possible.
- Cook green beans in salted boiling water for about 3 minutes.
- Transfer beans to a colander and run cold water. Cut them in half.
- Dice tofu into 1/2 inch cubes.
- In a small bowl, mix tamari soy sauce, sake or 1 Tbsp water, chili paste, and sugar to make a sauce. Set aside.
- In a sauté pan, heat sesame oil and sauté garlic and ginger for a minute.
- Add beans and tofu and sauté until heated.
- Add the sauce and sauté until the sauce is bubbly.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Infuse love and serve!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.